Boland and the Valke claimed convincing victories in the opening round of the Currie Cup First Division, while the Leopards also made a winning start.
The Cavaliers were in sublime form against the Eastern Province Elephants in Robertson as they scored an impressive 10 tries for a 70-12 victory. Flanks Tapiwa Tsomondo and Zandre Jordaan, as well as wing Valentino Wellman each, touched down twice.
Meanwhile, the Valke delivered an equally dominant showing against the Border Bulldogs in Kempton Park in a 66-27 win. No 8 Friedle Olivier and wing Etienne Taljaard contributed braces to the Valke’s 10 tries. The hosts ran riot on attack and the rewards followed, but the Bulldogs did not give up and managed to cross the tryline four times to secure a bonus point.
The tightest game of the weekend came in George where the Leopards overcame a strong challenge from the SWD Eagles for a narrow 27-25 victory. Three successful conversions by the Leopards – one of which was by centre Gerhard Nortier, who also contributed a try and penalty – was enough to give them the win.
Currie Cup First Division Round one results:
Valke (66) – Tries: Andries Schutte, Friedle Olivier (2), Shane Kirkwood, Sikhumbuzo Mabuza, Ernst Ladendorf, Etienne Taljaard (2), Grant Janke, Lundi Ralarala. Conversions: Anrich Richter (5), Warren Potgieter (3).
Border Bulldogs (27) – Tries: Mihlali Mpafi, Carlisle Jordan, Soso Mqalo, Soso Xakalashe. Conversions: Bangi Kobese, Dilolo Mapuko. Penalty: Bangi Kobese.
Boland Cavaliers (70) – Tries: Clinton Theron, Marlyn Williams, Tapiwa Tsomondo (2), Zandre Jordaan (2), Valentino Wellman (2), Gerrit Van Wyk, Charles Mayeza. Conversions: Jaywinn Juries (5), Elgar Watts, Jacquin Jansen (4).
EP Elephants (12) – Tries: Zingisa April, Diego Williams. Conversion: Henrique Olivier.
SWD Eagles (25) – Tries: Mzufukile Sofisa, Wayne Wilschut, penalty try. Conversion: Leighton Eksteen. Penalties: Leighton Eksteen, Divan Nel.
Leopards (27) – Tries: Boela Venter, Gerhard Nortier, Tapiwa Mafura. Conversions: Schalk Hugo (2), Gerhard Nortier. Penalties: Schalk Hugo, Gerhard Nortier.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
